Following the recent launch of the iPhone 16 lineup, The Weeknd has unveiled a new single, “Dancing in the Flames,” as part of his upcoming album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow‘. This track serves as the lead single from the album and comes with a notable music video shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro. Directed by Anton Tammi, with Erik Henrikkson as the director of photography, the video blends cutting-edge technology with cinematic visuals.
The behind-the-scenes process of the music video’s creation was showcased during Apple’s It’s Glowtime event, where the iPhone 16 Pro’s capabilities were highlighted. The music video was filmed in 4K resolution at 120 frames per second using Dolby Vision, a feature made possible by the iPhone’s advanced camera technology. In a behind-the-scenes clip, director Anton Tammi is seen navigating the video shoot, while Erik Henrikkson, the director of photography, explains how the iPhone 16 Pro performed in a professional setting.
Henrikkson praised the iPhone’s ability to capture high-quality footage, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. “Using the iPhone 16 Pro is starting to blur the line between what’s considered a ‘professional camera’ and what’s not,” he said. “This is going to be a huge asset for up-and-coming filmmakers.” He went on to explain that one of the main challenges in shooting the video was managing the bright HDMI backlights that hit the rain during the shoot, which posed potential issues for contrast and highlight detail. “I was concerned about how the iPhone would handle those extreme lighting conditions,” he admitted. “But when I saw the results, especially the way it captured the contrast and detail on The Weeknd’s face, I was blown away.”
The video for “Dancing in the Flames” exemplifies how the iPhone 16 Pro can be used in a professional environment, further pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile filmmaking. Apple’s presentation of the behind-the-scenes footage highlighted the growing potential for young filmmakers who may not have access to traditional high-end equipment, demonstrating that they can still produce high-quality content using just a smartphone.
‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ is an important project for The Weeknd, as it marks the third and final installment of a trilogy that began with After Hours and continued with Dawn FM. This thematic conclusion promises to wrap up the narrative and aesthetic journey he began with his earlier work, known for its dark, atmospheric tones and introspective lyrics. With “Dancing in the Flames,” The Weeknd continues to evolve artistically while experimenting with new technologies and pushing creative boundaries.
The release of this single and its accompanying music video not only highlights The Weeknd’s artistic vision but also showcases the increasing versatility of smartphone technology in professional filmmaking. As Apple continues to enhance the capabilities of the iPhone, it’s clear that tools like the iPhone 16 Pro are opening up new possibilities for creators, particularly those working in music and film.
Fans of The Weeknd and tech enthusiasts alike can watch both the music video and the behind-the-scenes clip, which were featured during Apple’s event, for a deeper look at the innovation behind this release.
